34 Things To Do By Yourself – Fun Things To Do Alone At Home

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Chances are, if you're like most people, you enjoy a little alone time—and, by the way, that's not a bad thing. In fact, research shows it can be beneficial: In addition to giving you the chance to unwind and actually rest, it can also boost creativity and productivity, and improve your overall happiness. Not to mention that it can also enhance your relationships with friends, family members, and colleagues. Just take it from Oprah, who in a 2005 “What I Know for Sure” column said, "Alone time is when I recharge and go back to my center, distancing myself from the voices of the world so I can hear my own with clarity."

Of course, though, that doesn't mean spending more time alone is effortless. You may need some new ideas for fun things to do by yourself, especially when you're bored. Which is exactly why we've compiled a list of things to do alone at home, many of which can also be done outside when the weather is good. You can try to meditate or step up your fitness routine. You can make a dent in your to-be-read pile or finally catch up on your favorite Netflix shows. You can learn a new skill, like cooking or gardening. You can even spend a night (or weekend) catching up on sleep.

The best part? Getting started is easy—because all you need is yourself.

Fire Up a Workout App

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If you aren't able to get to the gym, there are plenty of ways to shake up your workout routine from the comfort of your home. Want to practice yoga, for example? These apps can get you started.

Try Yoga or Gentle Stretching

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Maybe you're not in the mood to go for an all-out sweat sesh. No biggie! Even taking a few minutes to hit the mat for some stretching or yoga is a solid way to connect mind, body, and spirit. Yoga, in particular, is known for its many mental health benefits, boosting mood and cognitive function while reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, according to the American Psychological Association.

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Let a Celeb Read You a Bedtime Story

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You don't have to be a kid to enjoy the soothing voices of Oprah, Betty White, and Chrissy Metz reading children's books. StorylineOnline’s YouTube channel features 62 different clips.

Learn a New Language

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It's never too late to pick up a new language, and there are a multitude of apps that can teach you from home. One of our favorites? Duolingo.

Try Duloingo

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Take an Online Class

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SkillShare has plenty of creative and interactive online classes, or try MasterClass.com where celebs like Gordon Ramsay and RuPaul offer lessons.

DIY Some Spa Treatments

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Treat yourself to some at-home relaxation with with a little TLC. Try giving yourself a luxury facial, or use one of these pre-made masks. In need of a manicure, too? Here are our go-to tips.

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Make Yourself a Cocktail

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Have a party of one and master a new boozy beverage. With practice, you'll impress the next time you have friend over for drinks.

Engage in Solo Karaoke

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Try an app like Smule which lets you sing live karaoke with folks around the world, complete with audio effects and visual features. You can also join your friends for a "House Party" where you're all welcome to sing.

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Do a Paint by Number Kit

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If a blank canvas intimidates you, consider a paint by number kit or an adult coloring book, which can act as a great stress reliever.

Try a YouTube Beauty Tutorial

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If you've been meaning to play around with that new eyeshadow palette or are trying to figure out how to style those curls, or get beach waves, YouTube is full of inspiring and simple tutorials that will keep you busy. Really feeling adventurous? Maybe film one yourself.

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Meditate

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Slow down, breathe, and clear your mind with whatever form of mediation works best for you—whether you practice early in the morning before your day starts or at night. Not sure where to star? Black Girl in Om's Lauren Ash has six easy tips to help get you started.

Try These Helpful Meditation Apps

Learn Some Old-School Choreography

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Next time you're alone, blast a happy playlist as loud as you please and really feel the music. Or learn some new moves. Queue up a YouTube tutorial to get a step-by-step guide to the "Single Ladies" choreo, for instance.

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Look at Family Photos

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Are most of your pics stored on your phone? Consider uploading them to a site like Shutterfly to create an album, or better yet, a customized puzzle.

Garden

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Use Oprah's illustrious bounty as inspiration to test your green thumb. Check out our gardening guide for beginners here to get started.

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Find a New Show to Binge-Watch

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Looking for a glossy escape? There's Bling Empire on Netflix. Or, if you haven't given the hit period drama Bridgerton a watch yet, we suggest you stop reading now and go press play.

Rearrange Your Bookshelf

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Whether you color-coordinate your library (a trendy option right now), organize based on genre, or spend the day creating one of these bookshelf DIYs, this will help you remember which reads are worth revisiting.

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Finally Tackle the Clutter

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Channel your inner Marie Kondo and tackle any problem spot in your home that doesn't spark joy. Whether it's the garage, an over-stuffed dresser, or a messy closet, it'll feel amazing to get everything sorted, cleaned, and organized.

Knit Something Warm and Fuzzy

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According to Mental Health America, knitting not only results in some pretty comfy scarves and sweaters but can also help reduce anxiety and lower blood pressure.

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Write in Your Journal

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Jotting down your thoughts can help you sort through your feelings and will serve as a fun time capsule to revisit the next time you're alone.

Write an Unsent Letter

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Journaling can be a great way to express yourself, but what about if you have some things you wish you could share with someone in your life? Writing a letter with no intention of ever sending it is a great way to get your thoughts and feelings out without the chance of the other person ever knowing. Maybe you're missing a loved one who has since passed on, or you have some emotions you never shared with an ex-partner or friend. You could even write a letter to your past or future self—and "give" yourself the letter on a date of your choosing as a way to reflect on where you've been and how far you've come.

McKenzie Jean-PhilippeEditorial Assistant

McKenzie Jean-Philippe is the editorial assistant at OprahMag.com covering pop culture, TV, movies, celebrity, and lifestyle. She loves a great Oprah viral moment and all things Netflix—but come summertime, Big Brother has her heart. On a day off you'll find her curled up with a new juicy romance novel.

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